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CAR CARE GUIDE
Getting great results every time you valet your
car is not as difficult as you may think. It just takes
the right products, a little time and a bit of know
how. It’s one of the reasons why we created the
Autoglym Car Care Guide.
Produced by our experts, it guides you through the
correct cleaning procedure for all aspects of your
car allowing you to achieve excellent results, quickly
and easily. Once you’ve experienced the results
of a professional valet, there’s just no going back.
That’s the Autoglym way. Always has been.
PASSION for perfection
CONTENTS
BEFORE YOU START 3
WHEELS AND TYRES CLEANING THE ENGINE BAY DOOR AND BOOT SHUTS 4
5
6
INTERIOR CARE LEATHER CARE 7
8
CLEANING DEALING WITH SCRATCHES PREPARATION POLISHING PROTECTION FINISHING TOUCHES 9
10
11
12
13
14
SOFT TOPS PRESSURE WASHING 15
16
2
BEFORE YOU START
Professional car valeters will always attempt to separate the wet part of
the cleaning process from the dry one. If possible, you should do the same
by finding a place to hose down the car and wash all the surfaces before
moving it to a dry area for polishing, particularly if using electrical equipment.
1
Dirt will accumulate inside a car however careful you are. Much of it is
brought in by the driver and passengers but traffic fumes and airborne
dirt enter the car through the ventilation system.
4
Do the same with the boot. Carefully remove the spare wheel, tools,
mats and all other items. If your car is a hatchback, remove the parcel
shelf as it is easier to clean this out of the car.
2
Start by emptying all the contents of the car into a handy container.
This includes the contents of glovebox, centre console, door pockets
and footwells.
5
Before using a bucket, make sure it is clean and not full of gritty dirt
from the last wash – a car’s worst enemy. Change your water regularly.
TOP TIPS
It is best to wash and polish your car out of direct sunlight
Avoid washing your car on a gravel drive when using a high pressure water hose
Do not use household products to clean your car
3
Remove all the mats.You may find a variety of fixings, some need a coin
to undo (leave a coin in the ashtray for the future) and others just a twist.
Bang the mats out to loosen the dirt.
6
Whether or not you are cleaning your car, always remove bird droppings
as soon as you can as it destroys the paint surface quickly. Keep a pack of
Bird Dropping Wipes in the glovebox.
3
WHEELS AND TYRES
Clean wheels and tyres really enhance the appearance of your car.
Hose off your wheels to remove any mud and road grime before
you start.
1
Make sure the wheel is cold (very important) and then spray
Clean Wheels or Custom Wheel Cleaner (check with your car
manufacturer for any special requirements) so that it thoroughly
wets all visible surfaces of the rim.
4
Spray Engine & Machine Cleaner under the arches and on all muddy
areas. Leave this strong detergent for several minutes to let it penetrate
and loosen the dirt, then use a stiff brush or spatula to remove cakedon mud under the arches.
2
Working on one wheel at a time agitate with the Hi-Tech Wheel Brush
making sure that you reach all surfaces. Use a thin powerful jet to hose
off thoroughly and do not let the cleaner dry before hosing off.
5
With the wheel either still wet or dry, spray Instant Tyre Dressing or
Foaming Tyre Dressing onto the tyre, then leave to dry to a sheen.
For a matt finish, wipe with a cloth before the dressing finally dries.
TOP TIPS
Apply Clean Wheels or Custom Wheel Cleaner to cold
wheels only
Work on one wheel at a time to avoid drying
Never use abrasives on wheels
Wear rubber gloves and goggles
Follow product safety instructions when using wheel cleaners
3
For very intricate and high specification alloy wheels, use Custom
Wheel Cleaner which has a balanced acid-free formulation that is
both kind to the environment and the wheels.
6
Carefully spray Alloy Wheel Seal onto the wheel or directly onto a
cloth and then apply to the wheel to keep product off the brake discs
and calipers. Buff with a soft dry cloth for a brake dust-resistant shine.
4
CLEANING THE ENGINE BAY
Over time your car’s engine bay can become home to
a variety of contaminants from dead leaves and twigs
to road grime and oil deposits. Removing these
contaminants will make your engine look like new
and is a simple and rewarding process.
1
Dirt will accumulate inside a car however careful
you are. Much of it is brought in by the driver and
passengers but traffic fumes and airborne dirt enter
the car through the ventilation system.
5
Agitate the cleaner thoroughly using a small brush.
Spend time here so that every inaccessible surface
is treated and re-apply more cleaner if you missed it
first time.
2
A build-up of dead leaves in the fresh air intake grille
can eventually block it completely. Remove all leaves
and other debris from the channel at the foot of
the windscreen.
6
Hose off the engine starting at the bottom and working
up.This helps the detergent to flow off. The underside
of the bonnet can be hosed; take care with frail
insulation material.
TOP TIPS
Never clean a hot engine
Check all caps on fluid reservoirs are tight before treatment begins
Remove loose stones and debris if using a pressure hose, they can cause injury
Wear goggles and gloves
Take care to seal all visible electrical items with a cling-film or tape prior to cleaning
and remember to remove it afterwards
3
Modern car engines have many electronic sensors
and these are best covered with waterproof tape
before cleaning the engine bay. When in doubt, keep
water away from electrical items.
7
Use kitchen towel to mop up excess water in plug
holes, then spray Vinyl & Rubber Care over the whole
engine. Leave to dry and even out patches with a
dry cloth.
4
Spray Engine & Machine Cleaner onto every surface
under the bonnet. Pay attention to the really grubby
bits at the foot of the engine and take care on any
fragile under-bonnet insulation material.
8
The treatment leaves rubber and plastic looking
like new.
5
DOOR AND BOOT SHUTS
Dirt and road grime can start to build up in the door
and boot shuts of your car and this is often an area
which gets overlooked. Refreshing these areas is very
easy and makes all the difference.
1
Spray Engine & Machine Cleaner on all the door shuts
and frames up to window height. Don’t be afraid if you
splash the interior, the cleaner is safe on all fabrics as
long as it is removed before it dries.
5
…the jet onto the door shuts. This gives more
control and keeps water out of the interior. Repeat
this process on the door frame and remove any
blockages from the drain holes.
2
Use a small brush to work in the cleaner around locks,
striker plates and hinges. Wet the brush with cleaner
before you start. Shut doors for a few minutes to let
detergent work.
6
When you come to the boot, shut the lid onto the
first catch and point the hose in the crevice between
boot and body. This will get rid of most of the dirt
and you finish it off with a cloth or leather.
TOP TIPS
Use Vinyl & Rubber Care on door and body seals
You may need to lubricate locks and hinges after treatment
Use pvc tape to cover any metal components of your brush
If using a pressure hose, check that the lock striker on the door hasn’t closed
Use sponge and water if hose is not available
3
Repeat this process on the boot shuts on all the
lower surfaces. Do not spray cleaner on the underside
of the boot lid. Just use the small brush to carry
cleaner to the panel edges and agitate prior to
wiping off.
7
The result will add to that ‘new car’ look and present a
clean entry for passengers. Wipe the shuts every time
you wash the car to keep them looking like this all
the time.
4
Using a concentrated jet, hose the shuts starting at
the bottom and working up to waist height. Point
the hose slightly away from the car, start the flow,
then move…
8
Spray Vinyl & Rubber Care on to the Perfect Polishing
Cloth and treat the door and boot rubbers to prevent
the rubbers sticking to the door frames and to give
them a perfect finish.
6
INTERIOR CARE
All kinds of dust, fumes, smoke and dirt build up inside
a car interior so that every single surface is affected.
Periodically it needs a thorough clean. The objective is
to remove pollutants and preserve the original surfaces.
1
With a high suction vacuum cleaner remove as much
dirt and dust from the interior as you can. Use a stiff
brush on the floor and fabric seats and a small, soft
brush for dashboard crevices.
5
Repeat the operation with the door trims, cloth
seats and then carpets. Use enough Interior
Shampoo to create a light foam over all the
surfaces but be careful not to overwet fabrics.
2
Any interior cloth surfaces should be carefully
cleaned by applying Interior Shampoo to the
Hi-Tech Aqua-Dry or a firm sponge. Then rub gently
onto the fabric. If in doubt, try a small piece first,
out of sight.
6
Where interior trim has a lacquered or polished wood
finish, once the dust has been removed with a soft
brush and vacuum, use Instant Show Shine to remove
finger marks and bring to a high gloss.
TOP TIPS
Put heater blower on full when dusting vents to blow dust out
Do not use a brush on headlining materials as it may snag
Do not use Vinyl & Rubber Care on steering wheel, gear lever or pedal rubbers as they
will become slippery
Leave doors or windows open so that interior can dry out
Keep the Hi-Tech Interior Microfibre in your glovebox for regular dusting of the interior
3
Clean plastic trim surfaces in the same way. Once
cleaned, dry off with the Hi-Tech Interior Microfibre
or the Hi-Tech Microfibre Drying Towel being careful
not to rub too hard as the nap of some materials may
be affected.
7
Mats are best dealt with outside the car. Brush or
vacuum the mats, then spray with Interior Shampoo
before hosing down thoroughly. Hang up to dry.
4
Pay special attention to the switches, steering wheel and
controls as they collect a lot of dirt. Be careful not to
flood areas that carry electrical switches and remove
excess spray with the Hi-Tech Interior Microfibre.
8
With the shampoo complete, spray Odour Eliminator
onto carpets and mats. The product’s bioactive
formulation will tackle any undesirable odours
such as cigarette smoke, dogs or take-away.
7
LEATHER CARE
Leather seats develop an inconsistent finish over
time and can become worn and cracked as the
surface dries-out with age.
1
Use a soft brush to dislodge dirt from all the crevices in
the seats and vacuum them thoroughly. Be careful not
to scratch the leather with the vacuum nozzle.
5
Now that the leather is clean and dry, treating it
with Leather Care Balm will preserve its natural
characteristics. Apply to the Perfect Palm Applicator
and then to the seat itself.
2
Apply the Leather Cleaner directly onto the seats,
concentrating on the squab first and then the back.
6
Work this into the leather, ensuring even coverage, and
leave for at least thirty minutes to dry. During this time
it will start to lose its sheen.
Polymer Protectant
Oils & Moisturisers
Leather
3
Work the cleaner well into the leather with the
Perfect Polishing Cloth. This process will generate
a light foam so then remove excess cleaner together
with the dirt with the damp Hi-Tech Aqua-Dry.
7
Once it has had a chance to dry, use the clean
High-Tech Interior Microfibre to buff the leather
back to a rich lustre.
4
Finally, dry completely with the High-Tech Interior
Microfibre ensuring that you remove any excess
from the creases and folds of the seats and trims.
8
The same process can be applied to the dashboard top
where this is leather but to avoid contamination of the
windscreen, this is best done by applying the products
to the cloth rather than spraying directly on.
8
CLEANING
Mud and grit is highly abrasive and the act of rubbing with a sponge
can cause serious long-term damage to the paintwork. Spend time
with a hose, using its most powerful jet, starting at sill level and
working upwards to the roof.
1
Use Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner with tepid
water. The foam produced lubricates the sponge on the
paintwork. Hose off the worst of the mud, then rain a
fine spray over the whole car to wet it thoroughly.
5
Rinse the shampoo from the vehicle before
it has had a chance to dry particularly on hot
summer days.
2
Active Insect Remover can be sprayed where
necessary onto the vehicle’s bodywork to soften
insect remains making them easier to remove. Likewise
Bird Dropping Wipes can be used for heavier solids.
6
Use the Hi-Tech Flexi Water Blade, which quickly
removes most of the water from the bodywork
and windows, just needing a quick finish with the
Hi-Tech Aqua-Dry synthetic chamois or the
Hi-Tech Microfibre Drying Towel.
3
Sponge the car one side at a time starting from the
roof and working downwards. Use plenty of water
in a wide sweeping action to flow the dirt off.
7
The Hi-Tech Aqua-Dry synthetic chamois will dry
your car quicker than any natural leather and holds
an amazing amount of water. Use flat to get the
worst off before finishing off in the usual way.
TOP TIPS
Park wipers halfway up screen for best access
Do not wash a car in hot direct sunlight
Bodywork Shampoo Conditioner can be
used with cold water
4
Use a small, soft brush to shift the dirt in the crevices
around bumpers, number plates, panel shut lines,
badges and the front grille.
8
Dry the door shuts and boot, then slam doors and boot
to dislodge standing water. Leave open to drain. Areas
around bumpers can be tricky to dry. Use the edge
of the Hi Tech Aqua-Dry synthetic chamois or the
Hi-Tech Microfibre Drying Towel to soak up water.
9
DEALING WITH SCRATCHES
Scratches come in all shapes and sizes, so before deciding
on treatment you must first assess how deep the scratch
is and how badly the paintwork is affected.
Polishing can only remove very light scratching
but deeper scratches can be disguised by
‘rounding off’ the edges and filling the scratch
with a thin layer of polish. A feature of modern
paintwork is the use of clear coat lacquers.
All metallic, mica or pearlescent paintwork
has a clear finishing coat to create maximum
shine and bring out the beauty of these
specialist finishes. The diagram shows the
layers of paint on a typical modern car. It
also shows four scratches of varying severity.
1. Surface Scratches
This kind of damage is confined to the finishing
layer of paint or clear coat and may not be visible
to the naked eye. It just looks dull or discoloured.
It can usually be rectified by a thorough application
of Super Resin Polish.
2. Visible Abrasions
If a scratch penetrates through the top layer
but not beyond the colour coat, it is usually still
retrievable just by polishing. You will probably need
to use Paint Renovator to cut back part of the
surface and blend the scratch in. Be very careful
not to cut back the surface coat too far. Exposing
the layer underneath the topcoat will cause serious
damage that will require re-spray work. Once you
are happy that your scratch is all but gone, a final
coat of Super Resin Polish will add a thin film to
help fill the imperfections.
TOP TIPS
Be careful not to remove too much paint on edges when using any abrasive treatments
Stone chips should be touched up without delay to prevent corrosion
Use a fine artist’s brush with the touch-up for best accuracy
Clear Coat
Coloured Paint
Primer
Metal Panel
3. Primer Damage
If your scratch shows a grey or white colour, it
means that you are at least through to the primer.
No amount of polishing is going to get rid of this
mark and you could find that rust would start if the
blemish goes untreated. Having thoroughly cleaned
the area with detergent, careful application of
touch-up using a fine artist’s brush will protect your
car and minimise the visible blemish. Follow this
with lacquer if appropriate and, once the touch-up
has thoroughly hardened (wait at least a week),
the area can be polished to blend in the repair.
4. Metal Scratches
Very deep scratches will go right down to the
metal itself. Do not delay. Thoroughly clean the
area and, on serious scratches, use a rust-protecting
primer touch up before applying the colour coat
and then lacquer.
1
More serious scratches will need Paint Renovator. Apply at right angles to the scratch until the scratch disappears,
being careful not to rub too hard as you may remove too much paint or lacquer. Allow to dry then remove
the excess.
2
Finish with Super Resin Polish to shine and protect
the surface.
3
Using the Perfect Palm Applicator will greatly assist,
helping to apply consistent pressure over the area.
10
PREPARATION
Remove all bonded contaminants from your
paintwork allowing for a more durable shine.
TOP TIPS
Use a plastic bag to feel surface contaminants on the paintwork
Keep your car garaged or under cover to minimise attack from tree sap or bird lime
Treat a small area at a time with the clay bar
1
The lower half of the body will be specked with tar
deposits picked up from the road. Squirt Intensive Tar
Remover along the side panel and allow to stand for
a few minutes before buffing off the tar.
2
The ultimate preparation is the Surface Detailing
Clay Kit. Break off a piece of the clay bar and keep
the remainder in the closed tin.
6
You will be able to feel the difference in the surface
smoothness with your hand even before the
paintwork has been polished.
3
Roll and spread the clay to a flat profile ready for use
and wet it with Rapid Detailer before use.
7
To remove residues of old polish and contaminants
from the paintwork prior to polishing, pour High
Definition Cleanser onto the red applicator supplied
and take it to the paintwork. Do not pour the liquid
onto the car.
4
Spray Rapid Detailer onto the paintwork to lubricate
the clay and then use back and forth movements to
treat the area with the clay. This will lift contaminants
and leave a completely smooth surface.
8
Work the cleanser into the paintwork keeping the
pad moist at all times. Do not press the pad too hard.
Remember you are cleaning the surface and not
polishing it.
5
Finally, dry the paintwork with the Hi-Tech Microfibre
Cloth supplied with the kit, ready for final polishing.
9
Remove the cleanser from the paintwork with
the Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth, this is the softest
of the Hi-Tech cloths.
11
POLISHING
Polishing your paintwork will remove paint defects
and enhance surface gloss, leaving your vehicle’s
bodywork ready to be protected.
1
Super Resin Polish should be applied to the Perfect
Palm Applicator and not directly to the paintwork.
5
Pay special attention to faded paint and plastic
areas such as door mirrors and bumpers which
are painted with plasticisers in the paint.
2
Spread the polish on the body with the cloth or
applicator and use large circular motions to work the
polish in. Treat a small area at a time, then lay this area
off in straight lines before treating the next section.
6
Rubber and plastic trims can be brought back to new
with Bumper &Trim Gel. Apply carefully with the
Perfect Polishing Cloth. Surplus can be buffed off to
a sheen.
TOP TIPS
Do not apply in strong sunlight as this dries the polish too quickly
On convertibles with fabric hoods mask material to avoid polish stains
Remove old window stickers with metal scraper (take care to avoid heater elements).
Use Intensive Tar Remover to deal with adhesive
Use Car Glass Polish to prevent the misting of glass in cold and damp conditions
3
Both glass and acrylics can be cleaned with Fast Glass.
Just spray on and wipe off with a kitchen towel.
4
For badly soiled glass, Car Glass Polish will remove
contaminants and does not leave a residue when
polished. Apply to a mircofibre cloth or the Perfect
Palm Applicator, then to glass. Put the windows down
slightly to reach the top.
7
The bodywork can now be buffed and the polish
removed using the Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth. Turn the
cloth regularly. No need to rub hard to produce a
deep shine.
12
PROTECTIon
Seal and protect polished paintwork from environmental
contaminants with a durable high-gloss shine.
Super Fast Solution
1
Wash the vehicle in the normal way with Bodywork Shampoo
Conditioner and hose down.
2
Spray Aqua Wax evenly over all surfaces except the windscreen.
3
Use one of the supplied microfibre cloths to spread the wax, then the
other one to buff to a high gloss.
TOP TIPS
Always use the recommended microfibre cloths with Aqua Wax and High Definition Wax.
They have been carefully selected to ensure ease of use and to achieve the best finish
Once applied leave Extra Gloss Protection for as long as possible to allow the resins to continue
to cure and work even better
All Autoglym waxes and sealants offer impressive protection and will repel water. Once rainwater stops beading from the paintwork, it is time to re-apply
Concours FINISH
1
Using one of the damp red applicators supplied, apply wax evenly in
a light circular motion to a panel at a time.
2
When you have applied wax to the whole car, leave to cure for around
15 minutes or more on a cold day.
3
Buff to a high gloss with the red finishing cloth supplied, turning it
frequently to avoid build-up.
Liquid Sealant
1
Pour Extra Gloss Protection onto the Perfect Palm Applicator.
Do not pour liquid onto the car.
2
Use a light pressure to apply liquid to the car and leave to dry
thoroughly for one to two hours to allow resins to cure.
3
Buff to a deep shine with the Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth turning it regularly.
Avoid application on to the glass.
13
FINISHING TOUCHES
The essential last step for perfection.
1
A small amount of residue from the polish will be
found around all the door, bonnet and boot shuts.
Use the Hi-Tech Finishing Cloth to wipe it away.
5
Spray Odour Eliminator in the footwells and boot
area to remove any lasting smells left by cigarette
smoke, animals and other pollutants.
TOP TIPS
Remember to clean the interior mirror. Spray with Fast Glass and clean off with a kitchen towel
Try and check your car out in all lights to make sure there are no smears and missed patches
Take your car for a short drive and use the brakes to clear any rust that has formed on the discs
Always keep a pack of Bird Dropping Wipes and De-Icer handy in your glove box
2
This is a good time to check that your washer bottle
is topped up with Ultimate Screenwash to keep your
screen smear free in all weathers.
6
To counteract unpleasant odours caused by tobacco
smoke, dampness and traffic fumes, spray Autofresh
sparingly on a patch of carpet. It does not leave a
residue, is non-staining and creates a pleasant scent.
14
SOFT TOPS
Vinyl hoods should be washed often and can be cleaned occasionally with
Interior Shampoo and a brush to remove ingrained dirt. Once clean, apply
Bumper & Trim Gel with a sponge to bring back the colour and give a deep
sheen. Fabric hoods need more care as they can become very dirty while
losing their waterproof qualities.
1
Convertibles with fabric hoods should be masked up before polishing to avoid leaving white marks
on the hood material. Use wide masking tape all around the edges of the hood.
3
Using the coarse plastic sponge provided in the pack, work the cleaner into the hood being careful to avoid
rubbing stitched seams. Leave for an extended period before wiping off.
TOP TIPS
For bad cases of neglect, leave Fabric Hood
Cleaner on overnight, keep wet by covering
with a plastic sheet
Use Fabric Hood Protector on boat canopies, tents and caravan awnings
2
To clean fabric hoods, first vacuum the hood thoroughly to remove dust then spray on Fabric Hood Cleaner.
Wet the entire area and allow some time for the liquid to penetrate the material.
4
Either while still damp or having dried out, apply Fabric Hood Protector liberally to the entire area
and remove overspray from paintwork immediately with a kitchen towel. Allow to dry overnight.
15
PRESSURE WASHING
Clean your car quickly and easily by using a high-pressure power
hose to effectively remove the build-up of mud and road grime.
1
2
Fill the detergent reservoir of the pressure washer with Autoglym Pressure Wash. Cover the entire
vehicle with foam.
When rinsing, start at the bottom and work up. This helps to flow off the dirt and stops Pressure Wash
streaking down the side of the car. It also leaves the detergent in place until the last minute.
3
4
When cleaning door shuts, start the hose away from the vehicle then move the jet onto the area to be rinsed.
This gives more directional control as the recoil from a power hose is considerable.
Using two hands on the lance, point the hose slightly away from the car when hosing door shuts.
You will be surprised how little splashing there is and the interior will keep almost completely dry.
16